As you can see from the heartfelt note above, my love affair with my new phone is still going strong.

It really has changed my life – in ways I had not anticipated.

At the time I got it, I thought it would be more convenient. (I thought it would be nice to be able to send a few text messages without having to charge the battery, for example.)

I was looking forward to being able to take better pictures with the phone’s camera and finally joining Instagram. I was excited to have a larger, improved display screen for text conversations. I was anxious to try out social media on it.

What I wasn’t expecting was:

how much more I would love social media

how much time I would save

But most unexpected of all, is the connection I feel to the outside world and the freedom to move away from the computer.

I am spending more time with my children. The time I save by having access to my phone means I have more time for offline activities. So at the end of the day, I have more time for writing and relaxing.

I feel more organized, more productive.

My children are loving the new phone, too. They love to sit on my lap and take pictures with the rear-facing camera. (They call them “cuddle pictures.”) They look at the moments we capture and laugh and press their heads close to mine to take more.

Speaking of cuddle pictures:

And just this morning, I went grocery shopping without a paper list. I noted everything we needed in my phone throughout the week and checked each item off as we put it in the cart. No hunting for a pen, no scribbling to try to get it to work once I found one. (I don’t even have a pen in my purse, I recently realized.)

I am always on the lookout for new apps and tips.

So, yes, I am still in love.

Hey, I may be one of the last to the party, but I can still have fun when I get there, right?

Comments Make Me Geek Out

Cuddle pictures! So cute! I love my phone, too. Unreasonably so. I have a problem being away from my phone. I always have to check it when I get a notification. But then, I do the grocery lists like you do (or take a picture of the list on the fridge!) and a million other highly efficient things.

I love that picture of you! It’s awesome!
I also love my BlackBerry and it has brought me so much joy. It also never talks back like my kids do and neither my husband nor the kids are allowed to touch it. Sigh.Kerstin @ Auer Life recently posted..Game of Life

bahahah. that pic of you HAS to be one of my new faves. I was the same way when I got my smart phone…speaking of which–has almost been a year. It really did take my social media-ing to the next level. some days that’s awesome. Other days I know I’ve been on my phone too much. But I won’t speak of that–you’re still on your smartphone honeymoon enjoy!Sarah @sundayspill recently posted..#ippp: it&#8217;s all about the brambles, baby

Your cuddle picture is awesome! You’re so smart!! Also, see if otterbox makes a case for the style of phone you have. My otterbox. Case has literally saved me thousands. There have been many times the plummet it took towards concrete would have shattered the last wink of light out of it and there way nary a dented side or cracked screen. Soooo worth it!

Me? I’m a Blackberry gal, which I suppose puts me somewhere in between the old and the new you. Some day…I’ll catch up with all of you Instagrammers. *sigh*Sue recently posted..Open Letter to Mom from The Small One

I am TOTALLY addicted to my phone too. I love it, and would be lost without it… although I’m not entirely sure that it saves me time or keeps me away from the computer.

I read your other post about autocorrect. Since you’re on Android you should download SwiftKey3 Keyboard. It is even worth it if it is a paid app (I don’t remember. It was one of the first apps I downloaded on my phone). It analyzes your social media and even your blog to predict your text. It really is the best keyboard I’ve found for Android and I don’t think you’ll be too scared of autocorrect with it.

I wanted to keep my kids away from my phone, but then I had to take all three of them to a 45 minute long violin meeting for the oldest. My two year old was driving me crazy and I quickly downloaded one of his favorite games to my iPhone and let him have it. It saved my sanity and the sanity of those around me. I have used it (judiciously) for moments like this ever since.Rabia @ TheLiebers recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Table Clearing edition

My children are very drawn to it – and my oldest has jokingly suggested that I get some game apps. But so far, they have had minimal contact with my phone. In a situation like the one you described, I might do the same.

This is so, super funny! I’ve been using a smart phone for a while, but one time when Iot mine and went back to an older one while my new phone was being sent, I almost died! I don’t know how I lived life without a smart phone until I was without mine! LOL! Enjoy it!Britton recently posted..‘Pin’-Spiration: Love Is In the Air!

LOVE the picture! And the letter I still feel the same way about my phone. Love it! Totally following you on everything but twitter now, because I am lame and still haven’t taken the twitter jumpAudrey recently posted..Tractor Party

Smartphones if used wisely can be a great tool. But I have seen it misused so many times too. It can get a little addictive too. I have to catch myself to not be on the phone all the time so I can share time with everyone around me. I love your blog!Dannellys Rosario recently posted..How to deal with toddler tantrums?